Trademark Classes in India — All 45 Classes Explained

India uses the Nice Classification system with 45 trademark classes. Your registration only protects you in the classes you file in. Choose correctly before you file.

Key Takeaways

1India uses the Nice Classification system — 45 classes, Classes 1 to 34 for goods and Classes 35 to 45 for services.

2Your trademark registration only protects your brand in the classes you file in — filing in the wrong class leaves you unprotected.

3You cannot add classes to an existing application — a new application is required for each additional class.

4Most businesses need more than one class — a technology startup typically needs both Class 9 and Class 42.

5Use our free Class Finder tool to identify the right class for your business before filing.

Why Trademark Classes Matter

Each trademark application in India covers one class. The protection your registration provides is limited to the class — and the specific goods or services within that class — that you file in. A competitor using the same mark in an unrelated class may not infringe your trademark. Getting the class selection right before you file is critical — you cannot add classes to an existing application.

Goods Classes — Classes 1 to 34

CLASS	COVERAGE
Class 1	Industrial chemicals, fertilisers
Class 2	Paints, varnishes, preservatives
Class 3	Cosmetics, cleaning products, perfumes, soaps
Class 4	Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels
Class 5	Pharmaceuticals, health supplements, medical preparations
Class 6	Metals, metal goods, hardware
Class 7	Machines, machine tools
Class 8	Hand tools, cutlery
Class 9	Electronics, software, apps, computers, scientific instruments
Class 10	Medical devices and apparatus
Class 11	Lighting, heating, cooking apparatus
Class 12	Vehicles and vehicle parts
Class 13	Firearms (narrow class)
Class 14	Jewellery, precious metals, watches
Class 15	Musical instruments
Class 16	Paper goods, printed matter, stationery
Class 17	Rubber, plastics, insulating materials
Class 18	Leather goods, bags, luggage
Class 19	Building materials
Class 20	Furniture, mirrors, frames
Class 21	Household utensils, cookware, glassware
Class 22	Ropes, nets, fibres
Class 23	Yarns and threads
Class 24	Textiles and textile goods
Class 25	Clothing, footwear, headgear
Class 26	Lace, ribbons, embroidery
Class 27	Floor coverings, carpets
Class 28	Games, toys, sporting goods
Class 29	Processed foods, dairy, meats
Class 30	Coffee, tea, sugar, cereals, spices, biscuits
Class 31	Fresh fruits and vegetables, agricultural goods
Class 32	Beers, non-alcoholic beverages
Class 33	Alcoholic beverages
Class 34	Tobacco products

Services Classes — Classes 35 to 45

CLASS	COVERAGE
Class 35	Advertising, business management, retail services
Class 36	Financial services, insurance, real estate
Class 37	Construction, repair services
Class 38	Telecommunications
Class 39	Transport, travel, logistics
Class 40	Treatment of materials, manufacturing
Class 41	Education, training, entertainment
Class 42	Scientific research, IT services, SaaS, software development
Class 43	Food and beverage services, restaurants, hotels
Class 44	Medical services, veterinary, beauty salons
Class 45	Legal services, personal and social services, security services

Most Common Class Combinations

Technology and SaaS Brands

Class 9 — Software products, apps, electronic devices

Class 42 — SaaS services, software development, IT consulting

E-Commerce and D2C Brands

Class 35 — Retail services, online marketplace services

Plus the class covering your specific products

Fashion and Apparel Brands

Class 25 — Clothing, footwear, headgear

Class 35 — Retail services

Food and Beverage Brands

Class 29 or 30 — Your specific food products

Class 43 — Restaurant or cafe services if applicable

Legal and Professional Services

Class 45 — Legal services, consulting, security services

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which trademark class my business falls under?

Think about what your business sells — goods or services — and what category those fall into. Use our Trademark Class Finder tool for a starting point, then confirm with a professional before filing. Class selection errors cannot be corrected after filing — a new application is required for each incorrect class.

Can I file in multiple trademark classes?

Yes — you file a separate application for each class. The government fee is per class per application. We advise on the optimal class strategy based on your current and planned business activities during your free consultation.

What happens if I file in the wrong class?

Your registration will only protect you in the class you filed in. A competitor using the same mark in the correct class for your actual business could infringe your rights in practice but not legally if you are in the wrong class. Classes cannot be changed or added to an existing application — a fresh application is required. This is why professional advice before filing is important.

Does a trademark in one class protect me in all classes?

No — your registration protects you only in the class or classes you have registered in. The exception is well-known trademarks which have cross-class protection — but claiming well-known status requires specific evidence and proceedings.

My business operates in both goods and services — do I need to file in both?

Quite possibly yes. For example a clothing brand (Class 25 — goods) that also operates retail stores or an online shop should also consider Class 35 — retail services. A food company (Classes 29 or 30) that also runs a restaurant should consider Class 43. We advise on the right combination for your business.

Not Sure Which Class You Need?

Use our free Trademark Class Finder tool or contact us for professional advice before you file.

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